Its cost of living β especially in the two largest cities, Jeddah and Riyadh β is comparable to other major hubs around the world. But, salaries are high, and if you budget right, you will likely maybe have a comfortable life there. While not an official statistic, Statista forecasts that number to be around 6.
You can learn more about average salaries and incomes in our article on minimum wage in Saudi Arabia. Keep reading for an overview of the cost of living expenses you might come across in your daily life. Being a staunchly Islamic country, alcohol is strictly banned in Saudi Arabia. Buying, being in possession of, or consuming alcohol is considered a crime against God, and punishments are severe.
As a general rule of thumb, you are better off waiting until you are traveling abroad to indulge in a drink or two. Food and non-alcoholic drinks are the second-largest expense after housing costs.
In Saudi Arabia, households are expected to spend an average of SAR per person per month on groceries Hygienic and household products include everything from toothpaste and shampoo to dish soap or washing-up liquid and toilet bleach.
In , the average monthly housing costs in Saudi Arabia are forecasted to be SAR 1, per person. This likely includes rent and mortgage payments , water, electricity, gas and other fuels. Real estate prices vary greatly throughout Saudi Arabia. In January , the average rent for a home is around SAR 7, per month. Potential homeowners paid an average of SAR 1. The Saudi government partially subsidizes utilities, so average costs for water, gas, and electricity remain low.
